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This is our last day at Çatalhöyük. The last field day. Our work is finished in IST Area.
We are very pleased with the last moment result we got just before we left: It was before the lunch break, around 12.00, Güneş and me decided to make a review about hat we did this season. One thing was vague which was actually one of our main aims of the season. So we decided to make a last moment cut in a wall, which ended with full success and therefore pleasure: We got a clear picture of a two phased wall confirming the early phase of Building 63.
On the very first days, after the cleaning the backfilled spaces, we had started removing the upper floors of Spaces 284, 285 and 289 of Building 63 which were exposed in 2006. In two/three days we had got the early floors, however these early floors were just the renewals, with some modifications in architectural features. In the following days, the more we dug the more complicated questions appeared. We could figure out some of the questions but the phasing of the building!
Today, early in the morning, we drew sections, plans and took the final photos. Ian visited and looked at the final state of the area. We discussed about the possibility of the early phase of the building but it was still vague; until the fine cut we made on the north wall of the so called storage room, 283!
The cut has shown that the wall between 283- the burnt storage room with bins- and the side room- 289- continues about 70 cm more downwards. A clear distinction in the construction of the wall, i.e. the mud bricks used, implied that it was a two-phased wall. We had already recognised the similar construction on the west wall of the building, and on the south as well, however it was not very clear, but we needed more data and/or confirmation which came only three hours before paydos! Now we can start thinking about the continuity of the buildings, the fire, the building techniques, building activities, etc...
We are happy. What also made us happy today was to hear nice words from the West Mound Team, Peter, Eva and Ingmar, about our excavation methods and the results we got, during their visit in the morning. I believe all of us need to hear good words and appreciation from time to time.
Last not least, we like to thank to Ian Hodder. Ist team is grateful to him. It was he who asked us to work at Çatal and it was our pleasure to work here. It was a great experience for us and a great honour to be part of his ‘context’.
Wishing all of you the best for the rest of the season! |
